U.S. patent application number 13/862280 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-16 for exfoliating brush head for a personal care appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. The applicant listed for this patent is L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Robert E. Akridge, Gerald Keith Brewer, Kenneth A. Pilcher.
Application Number | 20140309662 13/862280 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50771345 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140309662 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brewer; Gerald Keith ; et
al. |
October 16, 2014 |
EXFOLIATING BRUSH HEAD FOR A PERSONAL CARE APPLIANCE
Abstract
Exfoliating brush heads are disclosure for use with a personal
care appliance. The personal care appliance is configured to
oscillate the exfoliating brush head to provide improved smoothing
and exfoliation of a patient's epidermis with or without the
antecedent application of skin care formula. The oscillating action
of the exfoliating brush head may be rotational, translational, or
a combination thereof. In use, the personal care appliance
oscillates the exfoliating brush head over a patient's skin in
order to remove dead skin from the patient's epidermis. The
exfoliating brush head may include first and second groups of
tufts, wherein the first and second groups of tufts have different
bristle heights and/or stiffness.
Inventors: |
Brewer; Gerald Keith;
(Redmond, WA) ; Pilcher; Kenneth A.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Akridge; Robert E.; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'OREAL |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
50771345 |
Appl. No.: |
13/862280 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/028 20130101;
A61H 7/002 20130101; A61H 2201/5005 20130101; A61H 7/005 20130101;
A61H 2201/1671 20130101; A46B 9/06 20130101; A46B 13/02 20130101;
A46B 2200/102 20130101; A46B 9/021 20130101; A61H 2201/1692
20130101; A46B 13/008 20130101; A45D 34/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/131 |
International
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20060101
A45D034/04 |
Claims
1. An exfoliating brush head for treating a patient's epidermis,
comprising: a brush body configured to be mountable to a drive
system configurable to impart motion to the brush body; a first
group of tufts, each tuft comprising a plurality of bristles
outwardly extending from the brush body; wherein the tufts of the
first group are configured to apply a non-Newtonian fluid to
partially keratinized areas of a patient's epidermis; and a second
group of tufts, each tuft comprising a plurality of bristles
outwardly extending from the brush body, wherein the bristles of
the second group of tufts are stiffer than the bristles of the
first group, and wherein the tufts of the second group are
configured to exfoliate the partially keratinized areas of a
patient's epidermis when placed in contact therewith.
2. The exfoliating brush head of claim 1, wherein the motion
imparted to the brush body is oscillatory.
3. The exfoliating brush head of claim 2, wherein the oscillatory
motion has an amplitude of about 3 degrees to 17 degrees, and a
frequency of about 80 Hz to 120 Hz.
4. The exfoliating brush head of claim 3, wherein the oscillatory
motion has an amplitude of about 8 degrees to 12 degrees, and a
frequency of about 94 Hz to 106 Hz.
5. (canceled)
6. The exfoliating brush head of claim 1, wherein the bristles of
the tufts of the second group have a diameter greater than 0.008
inches and a height of about 0.225-0.325 inches, and wherein the
tufts of the second group are formed by about 12-24 bristles.
7. The exfoliating brush head of claim 6, wherein the bristles of
the tufts of the first group have a diameter of about 0.004-0.006
inches and a height of about 0.360-0.400 inches, and wherein the
tufts of the first group are formed by about 120-160 bristles.
8. The exfoliating brush head of claim 1, wherein the bristles of
the tufts of the first group have a diameter of about 0.004-0.006
inches and a height of about 0.360-0.400 inches.
9. An exfoliating brush head for treating a patient's epidermis,
comprising: a brush body configured to be mountable to a drive
system configurable to impart oscillating movement to the brush
body; a first group of tufts, each tuft comprising a plurality of
bristles outwardly extending from the brush body; and a second
group of tufts configured to exfoliate a partially keratinized area
of skin, each tuft comprising a plurality of bristles outwardly
extending from the brush body, wherein the tufts of the second
group of tufts are stiffer than the tufts of the first group.
10. The exfoliating brush head of claim 9, wherein the first group
of tufts is configured to deliver a non-Newtonian fluid to the
partially keratinized area of skin.
11. The exfoliating brush head of claim 10, wherein the
non-Newtonian fluid is a formula configured to softening the
partially keratinized area of skin.
12. The exfoliating brush head of claim 9, wherein the bristles of
the tufts of the first group extend from the brush body about 0.360
inches to about 0.400 inches, and have a diameter of about 0.004
inches to about 0.006 inches.
13. The exfoliating brush head of claim 12, wherein the bristles of
the tufts of the first group of tufts include a material selected
from a group consisting of PET, TPE, PBT, nylon and polyester.
14. The exfoliating brush head of claim 9, wherein the bristles of
the tufts of the second group of tufts extend from the brush body
about 0.225 inches to about 0.325 inches, and have a diameter
greater than about 0.008 inches.
15. The exfoliating brush head of claim 14, wherein the bristles of
the second group of tufts include a material selected from a group
consisting of PET, TPE, PBT and polyester.
16. The exfoliating brush head of claim 9, wherein the bristles of
the tufts of the second group vary in height.
17. A method for treating a patient's epidermis, comprising:
oscillating, via a motorized drive system, an exfoliating brush
head having a first group of tufts and a second group of tufts,
wherein the second group of tufts are configured to exfoliate
partially keratinized areas of the patient's epidermis; and
applying the second group of tufts against partially keratinized
areas of the patient's epidermis to exfoliate the partially
keratinized areas, wherein the tufts of the second group of tufts
are stiffer than the tufts of the first group of tufts.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising placing a
non-Newtonian fluid configured to soften skin on the first group of
tufts prior to oscillating the exfoliating brush head; and after
the exfoliating brush head is oscillating, transferring the
non-Newtonian fluid to the partially keratinized areas of the
patient's epidermis.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein said oscillating an exfoliating
head includes oscillating the exfoliating brush head through a
selected angle in the range of 8-12 degrees at a frequency in the
range of 94-106 Hz.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the tufts of the first group
extend from the brush body about 0.360 to about 0.400 inches, and
include a material selected from a group consisting of PET, TPE,
PBT, nylon and polyester, and wherein tufts of the second group
extend from the brush body about 0.225 to about 0.325 inches, and
include a material selected from a group consisting of PET, TPE,
PBT and polyester.
21. The exfoliating brush head of claim 9, wherein the tufts of the
second group are configured so as to be deflected approximately
0.60 inches (15.240 millimeters) when a force of about 19 grams is
applied thereto.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] As is well known to those skilled in the art, thick calluses
or corns are typically formed on the palms of the hands or the
soles of the feet when the epidermis of the palms or the soles
becomes partially keratinized due to frequently repeated contact of
the hands or feet with a variety of hard or coarse surfaces over
time. For example, calluses on the hands are often caused by the
regular handling of an object that puts pressure on the hand, such
as tools or sports equipment. Calluses and corns on the feet are
often caused by pressure from footwear such as tight shoes,
high-heeled shoes, loose shoes, and thin-sole shoes. The repeated
pressure due to contact causes the skin to die and form a hard,
protective surface.
[0002] Calluses and corns can cause discomfort and can also become
painful. Moreover, calluses or corns crack due to, for example, dry
or cold weather, thus allowing the dermis under the epidermis to be
damaged. Therefore, it is often necessary to periodically remove
such calluses or corns from the palms of the hands or soles of the
feet. Such removal of calluses or corns from the hands or feet is
commonly called "a pedicure."
[0003] During a pedicure, calluses and dry, flaky skin are abraded
or scraped from the bottom of the feet. Typically, the feet are
soaked in a warm bath and/or a topical formula is applied to soften
the skin. Once the warm water and/or a topical formula has softened
the skin on the feet, the bottoms of the feet are manually scrubbed
with either a pedicure sander comprised of an abrasive sanding pad
attached to a durable plastic handle, a callus rasp, or a pumice
stone. Additionally, some technicians will use a corn and callus
plane comprised of a stainless steel head with a raised shaving
blade to slice thick, tough callus from the feet.
[0004] These conventional methods and apparatuses for callus
removal are time consuming, laborious, inefficient, and often
painful. Additionally, some of the conventional instruments present
hazards. In particular, a callus plane may cause serious injury if
used improperly. Accordingly, to reduce the risks and deleterious
effects of the manual process, attempts have been made to automate
the process of removing skin imperfections from the feet and hands.
For example, several electrically powered rotary devices with
sandpaper-like contact surfaces have been devised for grooming
hands and feet, one such device being sold under the brand name
"Pedi-Smooth." However, improved devices for removing calluses and
rough skin are still desired.
SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0006] In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, an
exfoliating brush head is provided for treating skin of a patient's
epidermis. The exfoliating brush head includes a brush body
configured to be mountable to a drive system configurable to impart
motion to the brush body. The exfoliating brush head also includes
a first group of tufts, wherein each tuft comprises a plurality of
bristles outwardly extending from the brush body. In some
embodiments, the tufts of the first group are configured to apply a
non-Newtonian fluid to areas of rough skin of a patient's
epidermis. The exfoliating brush head further includes a second
group of tufts, wherein each tuft comprises a plurality of bristles
outwardly extending from the brush body. In some embodiments, the
second group of tufts is configured to exfoliate the areas of rough
skin of a patient's epidermis when placed in contact therewith.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
an exfoliating brush head is provided for treating a patient's
epidermis. The exfoliating brush head includes a brush body
configured to be mountable to a drive system configurable to impart
oscillating movement to the brush body, a first group of tufts,
each tuft comprising a plurality of bristles outwardly extending
from the brush body, and a second group of tufts configured to
exfoliate a partially keratinized area of skin, each tuft
comprising a plurality of bristles outwardly extending from the
brush body. In some embodiments, the tufts of the second group of
tufts are stiffer than the tufts of the first group.
[0008] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
application, a method is provided for exfoliating skin from a
patient's epidermis. The method includes oscillating, via a
motorized drive system, an exfoliating brush head having a first
group of tufts and a second group of tufts. In some embodiments,
the second group of tufts are configured to exfoliate partially
keratinized areas of the patient's epidermis. The method also
includes applying the second group of tufts against partially
keratinized areas of the patient's epidermis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily
appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to
the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of an
exfoliating brush head in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the exfoliating brush head of
FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of an exfoliating brush head, such as
the exfoliating head of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the exfoliating brush
head of FIG. 1 adapted to be coupled to components of a drive motor
system;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged view of a portion of
exfoliating brush head of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one example of a personal
care appliance on which the exfoliating brush head of FIG. 1 is
mounted;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the personal care appliance
of FIG. 8 with the exfoliating brush head exploded therefrom;
and
[0017] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of several components
of the personal care appliance of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings where like numerals reference like elements
is intended as a description of various embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only
embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is
provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The
illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise
forms disclosed.
[0019] The following discussion provides examples of systems,
apparatuses, and/or methods for exfoliating skin. The examples
described herein provide exfoliating brush heads suitable for use
with a personal care appliance. In some examples described herein,
the personal care appliance oscillates the exfoliating brush head
to provide improved smoothing and exfoliation of a patient's
epidermis with the antecedent application of a fluid for softening
skin, such as a skin care formula. In other examples described
herein, the personal care appliance oscillates the exfoliating
brush head to provide improved smoothing and exfoliation of a
patient's epidermis without the antecedent application of skin care
formula.
[0020] In the examples set forth herein, the oscillating action of
the exfoliating brush head may be rotational, translational, or a
combination thereof. In use, the personal care appliance oscillates
the exfoliating brush head over a patient's skin in order to remove
dead skin from the patient's epidermis. In some embodiments, the
exfoliating brush head includes first and second groups of tufts,
wherein the first and second groups of tufts have different bristle
heights and/or stiffness. In these examples and others, the tufts
of the first group are more pliant than the tufts of the second
group, and are configured to sufficiently deliver and apply a
non-Newtonian fluid, such as a skin care formula, to the skin to be
treated. In other examples, the tufts of the second group are
configured to sufficiently treat rough skin conditions, such as
calluses or corns, which have developed on a patient's hand or
foot. As used herein, the term "rough skin" means skin of the
epidermis that has partially keratinized, and includes the skin
conditions referred to as corns and calluses.
[0021] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or
more embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to
one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the
present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the
specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have
not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure
various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be
appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ
any combination of features described herein.
[0022] Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown one example of an
exfoliating brush head, generally designated 20, formed in
accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The brush head
20 is suitable for use with a personal care appliance, such as
appliance 22, illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The brush head 20 in
some embodiments includes a first group of tufts 58 that can be
oscillated over a patient's skin in order to apply, for example, a
skin softening fluid, to rough skin of the epidermis, and a second
group of tufts 60 that can be oscillated over the rough skin in
order to treat the rough skin of the epidermis. As will be
described in more detail below, some embodiments utilize sonic
motion for oscillating the brush head 20, which can provide
improved control and precision for sculpting skin and/or
callus/corn removal.
[0023] Prior to describing the brush head 20 in more detail, one
example of a personal care appliance 22 that may be employed to
impart an oscillating motion to the brush head 20 will be described
in some detail. While the personal care appliance 22 is one type of
appliance that can be practiced with embodiments of the present
disclosure, it will be appreciated that the brush head 20 is
suitable for use with a wide range of oscillatory or vibratory
motion generating devices.
[0024] Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown one example of
the personal care appliance 22. The appliance 22 includes a body 24
having a handle portion 26 and a head attachment portion 28. The
head attachment portion 28 is configured to selective attach a
head, such as exfoliating brush head 20, to the appliance 22. The
appliance body 24 houses the operating structure of the appliance.
As shown in block diagrammatic form in FIG. 8, the operating
structure in one embodiment includes a drive motor assembly 30, a
power storage source 32, such as a rechargeable battery, and a
drive control 34 that includes an on/off button 36 (See FIG. 6)
configured and arranged to selectively deliver power from the power
storage source 32 to the drive motor assembly 30. In some
embodiments, the drive control 34 may also include a power adjust
or mode control buttons 38 (See FIG. 6) coupled to control
circuitry, such as a programmed microcontroller or processor, which
is configured to control the delivery of power to the drive motor
assembly 30. The drive motor assembly 30 in some embodiments
includes an electric drive motor 40 that drives an attached head,
such as exfoliating head 20, via a drive shaft or armature 42.
[0025] When the exfoliating brush head 20 is mounted to the head
attachment portion 28, the drive motor assembly 30 is configured to
impart motion to the brush head 20. The drive motor assembly 30 may
be configured to operate the exfoliating brush head 20 at sonic
frequencies, typically in the range of 80-160 Hz, oscillating the
exfoliating brush head 20 back and forth within a range or
amplitude of 3-20 degrees. In some embodiments, as will be
described in more detail below, the exfoliating brush head 20 is
operated in loaded or unloaded conditions at frequencies from about
80 Hz to 120 Hz with a range of about 3-17 degrees. In other
embodiments, the exfoliating brush head 20 is operated in a loaded
condition at frequencies from about 94 Hz to 106 Hz, a range or
amplitude of 8-12 degrees, and a duty cycle of about 38-44%.
[0026] One example of a drive motor assembly 30 that may be
employed by the appliance 22 to oscillate the exfoliating brush
head 20 is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,786,626, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety. However, it should be understood that this is merely an
example of the structure and operation of one such appliance and
that the structure, operation frequency and oscillation amplitude
of such an appliance could be varied, depending in part on its
intended application and/or characteristics of the exfoliating
brush head, such as its inertial properties, etc. In some
embodiments of the present disclosure, the frequency ranges are
selected so as to drive the attached head at near resonance. Thus,
selected frequency ranges are dependent, in part, on the inertial
properties of the attached head. It will be appreciated that
driving the attached head at near resonance provides many benefits,
including the ability to drive the attached head at suitable
amplitudes in loaded conditions (e.g. when contacting the skin) For
a more detailed discussion on the design parameters of the
appliance, please see U.S. Pat. No. 7,786,626.
[0027] Turning now to FIGS. 2-5, one example of the exfoliating
brush head 20 will be described in more detail. As best shown in
FIGS. 2 and 4, the brush head 20 includes a movable central portion
44. The movable central portion 44 includes a generally cylindrical
body 48 configured to interface directly or indirectly with the
drive shaft or armature 42 of the drive motor assembly 30 at a
first or inner end 50. The body 48 is shown in FIG. 4 as being
constructed out of plastic, such as nylon, polypropylene,
polyurethane, polyethylene, etc., although other materials may be
utilized, including lightweight metals, such as aluminum, titanium,
etc.
[0028] The movable central portion 44 further includes first and
second groups of tufts 58 and 60 disposed at an opposite, second or
outer end 62. The tufts 58 of the first group are spaced apart from
one another and include a plurality (e.g., 120-180) of bristles 64.
The tufts 60 are spaced apart from one another and from the tufts
58 of the first group, and include a plurality (e.g., 12-24) of
bristles 68. The bristles 64 and 68 extend upwardly from the outer
surface of the body 48.
[0029] Generally described, the tufts 58 of the first group are
configured to deliver a non-Newtonian fluid, such as a skin care
formula, to the patient's skin and to spread the formula thereon. A
non-Newtonian fluid, sometimes referred to as a thixotropic
material, is a visco-elastic shear-thinning fluid with a Yield
stress. In some embodiments, the skin care formula, which is
capable of softening the epidermis, etc., has a Yield stress in the
range of, for example, 50-140 Pa. The tufts 58 of the first group
may also provide massaging or cleansing to the skin. In this
regard, the bristles 64 of the tufts 58 of the first group in some
embodiments have a height of about 0.360 inches (9.144 millimeters)
to 0.400 inches (10.160 millimeters) or greater and a diameter in
the range of about 0.003 inches (0.0762 millimeters) to 0.006
inches (0.152 millimeters). Additionally, each tuft can be formed
with about 120-180 bristles 64. The bristles 64 can be constructed
out of a variety of materials, such as polymers and co-polymers. In
some embodiments, the bristles 64 may be constructed out of
polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
nylon, polyester, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), combinations
thereof, etc. In the embodiment shown, the height of the bristles
64 is generally constant.
[0030] It will be appreciated that the bristle and tuft
characteristics (e.g., height, diameter, material type, bristle
count, etc.) of the first group may be varied in embodiments of the
present disclosure in order to configure the tufts 58 to be capable
of delivering and applying a non-Newtonian fluid a subject's skin
as the exfoliating head 20 is oscillating, for example, at the
frequencies described above. In one exemplary embodiment of an
exfoliating brush head formed in accordance with the disclosure,
each tuft 58 includes 144 bristles constructed out of PBT and
having a diameter of 0.004 inches (0.102 millimeters) and a height
of 0.36 inches (9.144 millimeters). The exemplary brush head, as
well as other examples, maintain skin care formula at or near the
tips of the bristles 68 for easy transfer of the formula to the
calloused skin of a subject.
[0031] On the other hand, the tufts 60 of the second group are
configured to exfoliate dead skin from the patient's epidermis, and
in some embodiments, are configured to treat rough skin of the
patient's epidermis where, for example, calluses and/or corns have
developed. In this regard, the bristles 68 of the tufts 60 of the
second group in some embodiments have a height of about 0.225
inches (5.715 millimeters) to 0.325 inches (8.255 millimeters) and
a diameter of about 0.008 inches (0.2032 millimeters) to 0.020
inches (5.080 millimeters) or greater. Additionally, each tuft 60
can be formed with about 12-24 bristles 68. The bristles 68 can be
constructed out of a variety of materials, such as polymers and
co-polymers. In some embodiments, the bristles 68 may be
constructed out of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), nylon, polyester, a thermoplastic elastomer
(TPE), combinations thereof, etc. In the embodiment shown, the
height of the bristles 68 can vary, such as within the range stated
above, within each tuft 60, as shown in FIG. 5. Slight variation in
bristle heights of the bristles 68 can enhance the exfoliation of
dead skin from the epidermis. In some embodiments of the present
disclosure, tufts 60 can be deflected approximately 0.60 inches
(15.240 millimeters) when a force of about 19 grams or greater is
applied.
[0032] In will be appreciated that the bristle and tuft
characteristics (e.g., height, diameter, material type, bristle
count, etc.) of the second group may be varied in embodiments of
the present disclosure in order to configure the tufts 60 to be
capable of exfoliating partially keratinized areas, such as corns
or calluses, on a subject's skin as the exfoliating head 20 is
oscillating, for example, at the frequencies described above. In
one exemplary embodiment of an exfoliating brush head formed in
accordance with the disclosure, each tuft 60 includes 18 bristles
constructed out of PBT and having a diameter of about 0.012 inches
(3.048 millimeters) and a height of 0.325 inches (8.255
millimeters). The exemplary brush head, as well as other examples,
easily sculpts and treats (e.g., reduces or removes) partially
keratinized areas, such as corns or calluses, on a subject's
skin.
[0033] Thus, the bristles 64 of the tufts 58 of the first group are
more pliant (i.e., less stiff) than the bristles 68 of the tufts 60
of the second group. As a result, the tufts 60 of the second group
are stiffer than the tufts 58 of the first group. Also, the
bristles 64 of the tufts 58 of the first group extend farther from
the body 48 than the bristles 68 of the tufts 60 of the second
group. While contributing to the bristles 64 being more pliant than
the bristles 68, the longer bristles 64 aid in the application of
the skin care formula to the exfoliating brush 20 and/or the
application of the skin care formula to the subject's skin.
[0034] In some embodiments, the bristles 64 and/or 68 are generally
circular in cross-section, although the cross-sections of the
bristles may vary, including square cross sections, X-shaped cross
sections, etc. Additionally, the bristles 64 and/or 68 in some
embodiments are formed without rounded ends. Further, the bristles
64 and/or 68 may be treated with anti-microbial agents in some
embodiments or coated with an anti-microbial material, such as
silver zeolites, zinc, copper, gold, etc. In other embodiments, the
use of silver zeolite may be compounded into the resin that is used
to construct the bristles 64 and/or 68 to reduce the bacterial and
fungal effects on the bristles.
[0035] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the first
58 and second 60 tufts 58 and 60 can be arranged in random fashion
while in other embodiments the first and second tufts 58 and 60 can
be arranged in one or more patterns. In these embodiments, the one
or more patterns can be constant throughout the majority of the
surface or can vary throughout the majority of the surface 48 or
parts thereof. In the embodiment shown, the first group of tufts 58
are arranged in an "X" shaped pattern, and the second group of
tufts 60 are arranged in the four (4) quadrants created by the
first group of tufts 58.
[0036] Returning to FIG. 2-4, the brush head 20 further includes an
optional outer retainer 76. The outer retainer 76 includes a
central, cylindrically shaped opening 78. The opening 78 is sized
and configured to surround the sides of the movable central portion
44. When attached to the appliance 22, a rim 80, which extends
around the top periphery of the central opening 78, is flush with
or positioned slightly above the outwardly facing surface of the
body 48.
[0037] In some embodiments, the central portion 44 and the outer
retainer 76 together include an attachment system configured to
provide selective attachment of the brush head 20 to the head
attachment portion 28 of the personal care appliance 22. When
attached to the personal care appliance 22 by the attachment
system, the following occurs: (1) the movable central portion 44 is
operatively connected to the drive motor assembly 30, for example,
via a drive boss 52, in a manner that provides oscillating motion
thereto; and (2) the outer retainer 76 fixedly secures the brush
head 20 to the head attachment portion 28 of the appliance 22.
Accordingly, the attachment system in some embodiments provides a
quick and easy technique for attaching and detaching the brush head
20 to the personal care appliance 22. It will be appreciated that
the attachment system also allows for other personal care heads to
be attached to the appliance, and allows for replacement
exfoliating brush heads 20 to be attached to the appliance, when
desired.
[0038] One attachment system that may be practiced with embodiments
of the present disclosure is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,386,906,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety. It will be appreciated that other attachment systems can
be employed to provide either tooled or tool-less techniques for
selectively attaching the brush head 20 to a personal care
appliance, such as appliance 22, in a manner that (1) provides
oscillating motion to the central portion 44; and (2) maintains the
connection between the central portion 44 and the drive motor
assembly 30. For example, in some embodiments, the central portion
44 includes a coupling interface configured to cooperatingly
connect to an oscillating drive shaft or armature, such as armature
42, of an associated drive motor assembly 30 in a manner that
transmits oscillating motion to the central portion 44 while
fixedly securing the central portion 40 thereto. As such, it should
be understood that while the retainer 76 may provide certain
benefits to some embodiments of the brush head 20, it is optional,
and thus, it may be omitted, if desired.
[0039] The above-described examples of the exfoliating brush head
20 can be used to exfoliate skin of a patient's epidermis. In that
regard, the exfoliating brush head 20 is first attached to the
personal care appliance 22. Next, if desired, a skin softening
agent, such as skin care formula, can be placed on the tips of
bristles 64 of the first group of tufts 58.
[0040] The personal care appliance 22 is then turned on and the
exfoliating brush head 20 is operated at sonic frequencies in the
range of about 80-120 Hz, oscillating the exfoliating brush head 20
back and forth within a range of about 3-17 degrees. In some
embodiments, the exfoliating brush head 20 is operated in a loaded
condition at frequencies of about 94 Hz to 106 Hz, with an
amplitude or range of about 8-12 degrees, and a duty cycle of about
38-44%.
[0041] Once oscillating, the exfoliating brush head 20 is applied
against the rough areas of skin on the body, such as on the feet or
hands, in order to apply and spread the skin care formula. Because
of the configuration of the bristles 64 of the first group of tufts
58, the skin care formula can be held at or near the bristle tips,
thereby providing easy transfer and delivery of the skin care
formula to the skin. The second group of tufts 60 can also be
utilized to spread the skin care formula once applied to the skin.
To do so, slight additional pressure is applied to the appliance 22
towards the skin. The second group of tufts 60 can also help to
work the formula into the skin.
[0042] Once the skin formula has been spread on the skin, and
sufficient time, for example, has elapsed in order to allow some
softening of the skin, the exfoliating brush head 20 is reapplied
against the rough areas of skin with slightly more pressure. With
the added pressure applied to the appliance 22, the more pliant
first group of tufts 58 yields so that the stiffer, second group of
tufts 60 contact the rough skin. The exfoliating brush head 20 is
then moved over the rough skin as the head 20 oscillates in order
to reduce or remove the corn or callus from the epidermis.
[0043] The action of the second group of tufts 60, operated at the
above amplitudes and frequencies, provide an exfoliating effect,
thereby sculpting the rough areas of the skin and the removal or
reduction of corns, calluses, etc. Once the skin is treated to the
desired amount, the exfoliating brush head 20 can be removed from
the skin and the appliance 22 can be powered down. Alternatively,
the appliance 22 can be powered down automatically via a programmed
operation.
[0044] Thus, using the exfoliating brush head 20 as described
above, in the specified frequency and amplitude ranges, in the
representative process outlined above, results in improved control
and precision for skin sculpting and callus/corn removal.
Additional benefits may also be realized by the exfoliating brush
head 20 when used with a personal care appliance, such as appliance
22. For example, since skin can be removed with each directional
change of the brush head 20 as a result of the oscillating motion
imparted thereon, more skin can be removed with less force as
compared to conventional rotary powered devices or manually powered
devices.
[0045] The methods described above can be carried out without the
use of skin care formulas or soaking of the skin in warm water in
an attempt to soften the skin. However, any preparation of the skin
area prior to exfoliation can be used as part of the method
disclosed above.
[0046] It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure,
terminology such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal,"
"inwardly," "outwardly," "inner," "outer," "front," "rear," etc.,
should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of
the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms
"connected," "coupled," and "mounted" and variations thereof herein
are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections,
couplings, and mountings.
[0047] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of
operation of the present disclosure have been described in the
foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure
which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as
limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the
embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative
rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and
changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without
departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly,
it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and
equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure, as claimed.
* * * * *